The purpose of Kent State’s diversity requirement is to help educate students to live in a world of diverse communities, many of which are becoming increasingly permeated with cultural and ideological differences. The study of diversity is intended to promote awareness of local and global differences, to identify shared values, to improve understanding of one’s own culture, and to encourage people to explore and respect differences.

The diversity requirement is part of the university’s broader efforts to encourage, both at the university and beyond, the development of communities in which all members and their contributions are recognized and valued. Diversity courses provide opportunities for students to learn about such matters as the history, culture, values and notable achievements of people other than those of their own national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, physical and mental ability, and social class. Diversity courses also provide opportunities to examine problems and issues that may arise from differences, and opportunities to learn how to deal constructively with them.

Undergraduate students at Kent State are required to complete a two-course diversity requirement, consisting of one with a domestic (U.S.) focus and one with a global focus. One course must come from the Kent Core. The second course may be taken as a second Kent Core, within a major or minor, or as a general elective; or, with dean's approval, by completing one semester of study in another country.

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